Relatives split over new Shipman film

RELATIVES of the victims of killer GP Harold Shipman are said to be divided over a new documentary on the mass murderer. An ITV special will cover everything from Shipman's childhood to his killing spree, eventual arrest by police and subsequent suicide in January.

RELATIVES of the victims of killer GP Harold Shipman are said to be divided over a new "definitive" documentary on the mass murderer.

An ITV special will cover everything from Shipman's childhood and early days as a GP to his killing spree, eventual arrest by police and subsequent suicide in January this year.

Documentary specialists Brook Lapping Television, who have been researching the project for over six years, hope to time the release of the programme to coincide with the publication of Dame Janet Smith's final inquiry reports later this summer.

Some relatives believe a documentary accompanying the inquiry's final findings would be a good way of drawing a line under the events of recent years, but others are concerned it could trigger a series of copycat productions that will only prolong their suffering.

Two years ago ITV bosses caused similar controversy when they made a drama documentary, simply entitled "Shipman", about the former Hyde doctor's killings.

Then, around 40 victims' relatives watched a private screening of the programme at Hyde's Village Hotel, while others boycotted it. On the whole, the drama, starring James Bolam as Shipman, was well-received.

Carole Peters, who is producing and directing the Brook Lapping documentary, said she could understand why relatives might have similar concerns about the latest production.

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She revealed that all relatives, as well as Shipman's family, had been informed in writing about the planned production.

Helen Ogborn, manager of the Victim Support and Witness Service in Tameside, has provided moral and emotional support to victims' relatives. She said the news had "split" families.

But she added that most were pleased with the "sensitive" approach Brook Lapping had taken in informing them first about their plans.

She said: "There is quite a split view. It's never easy when something like this comes up but the television company did come to us and, hopefully, will continue to approach the issue sensitively."

Brook Lapping has produced a series of critically-acclaimed documentaries over the years, including To Kill and Kill Again, a four-part series on serial killers, including Moors Murderer Myra Hindley.

Mrs Peters said: "We hope this will be the definitive account of Harold Shipman's life, and hopefully bring closure to the whole event.

"We are very aware that this will be difficult for relatives and have written to them informing them of our intentions. The documentary will cover all aspects of his life and hopefully be screened at around the same time as the final inquiry reports are published."

Filming is expected to begin in Tameside in April and finish in May. The programme, which will probably last 90 minutes, could be screened as early as September.